Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper has announced the discontinuation of its newsprint mill operations citing a decrease in demand. This decision will impact 150 employees. The company’s CEO, Norm Bush, explained that while 150 positions will be eliminated, some employees may have the opportunity to transfer to other roles within different locations of the mill.
According to a press release from Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, the demand for newsprint in North America has dropped significantly, with a 40% decrease since Atlas Holdings acquired the company in 2022 and an 18% decline in 2025 alone. Bush stated that the continuous decline in the newsprint market, with an anticipated additional double-digit drop in 2026, is the primary reason for ceasing operations due to the inability to cover production costs.
Bush emphasized the ongoing shift towards electronic media as a key driver of the declining newsprint market, leading to a long-term systemic decline. The company is collaborating with local unions and government entities to provide support services for affected employees during the transition period.
Despite the closure of the newsprint mill, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper will continue its operations as a single-line Softwood Kraft mill at its existing location, focusing on renewable energy production for sale to the Ontario grid. Plans are underway to work with government bodies to enhance investments in the Softwood Kraft Pulp mill and explore potential future product diversification.
Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan and Ontario’s associate minister of forestry and forest products, expressed disappointment over the decision but assured support for impacted workers and the community. The provincial government is advocating for Ontario’s fair share of federal support for the sector.
The announcement of the newsprint mill closure follows a series of recent shutdowns in northwestern Ontario, including the impending closure of the Ignace sawmill and the shutdown of Interfor’s sawmill in Ear Falls. Challenges such as U.S. tariffs and market stagnation have contributed to the indefinite shutdowns of regional mills.
